ERP Analysis of Neural Attention Mechanisms in Multimodal L/R Recognition for English Learners

This study investigates the neural mechanisms underlying the recognition of English sounds “L” and “R,” which are challenging for Japanese learners due to the absence of equivalent phonemes in their native language. Using eventrelated potentials (ERPs), we analyze neural responses to visual (letter) and auditory (sound) stimulus. Participants are presented with the English words “right” and “light” in four stimulus combinations. They press a key only when they feel stimulus are matched. Across 500 randomized trials, ERPs reveal faster and more distinct responses to visual stimulus compared to auditory ones. Participants exhibit greater difficulty in processing mismatched stimulus involving “L” and “R,” highlighting the influence of phonetic unfamiliarity on neural activity. These findings highlight the role of attention in sensory processing during language learning. Visual support enhances auditory discrimination, offering insights into pedagogical strategies and tools to improve pronunciation and phonetic recognition.